Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Sep 21: Daijiworld TV marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand event at Milagres Jubilee Hall. The celebration drew distinguished guests from the media, government, business, and cultural sectors, reflecting the channel's wide-reaching impact.
Sudhir Kumar Shetty, former president of UAE Exchange, was the chief guest and lauded Daijiworld’s influence on coastal Karnataka. "Daijiworld has established itself as a respected brand in coastal Karnataka, recognized by people worldwide. Its authenticity and commitment to cultural diversity resonate with its audience. Broadcasting in five local languages, Daijiworld TV has set a record in visual media. The channel’s motto, 'Unite People,' is a testament to the unique vision of Walter Nandalike and his team. I wish Daijiworld many more years of success and hope it achieves international recognition in the global media landscape," he said.
Habeeb Rahman, a prominent guest, praised Daijiworld TV's journey. "In today’s digital age, where everyone is a media person with mobile devices, media verification and ethics are often neglected in the race for breaking news. A decade ago, the media landscape was different, and Daijiworld emerged during those challenging times, remaining steadfast in verifying news and adhering to ethics. This dedication has made it a trusted brand for the coastal Karnataka community, especially those in the Gulf. I am proud to be a loyal follower of Daijiworld," Rahman said.
Reflecting on Daijiworld’s early challenges, Rohan Monteiro, a key figure in the event, shared, "Daijiworld faced stiff competition and technical limitations in its early days. However, the passion and perseverance of the management team transformed Daijiworld into a recognized brand in coastal Karnataka. Today, it delivers exceptional service and remains both viewer-friendly and community-oriented."
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, in his address, reflected on the channel’s journey. "Reaching ten years is a significant milestone for us. While we’ve received appreciation for our strategy and uniqueness, I believe we still have a long way to go. These ten years reflect our progress, but resting on our laurels could hinder our growth. I see my directors as family, and together, we form a strong team that drives our creativity and uniqueness. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our advertisers, the backbone of our operations, and to our viewers and well-wishers who have supported us throughout this journey."
The celebration included a heartfelt recognition of the Daijiworld TV team. Directors Melwyn Rodrigues, Lawrence D'Souza, and Ronald Nazareth welcomed the dignitaries with flower bouquets. Alexis Castelino presented mementos to the guests, while Dayan D'Souza Mukamar honored long-serving team members, including news anchor Chetan Shetty, video journalist B.S. Jeevan, and production manager C.K. Prashanth, who have been with Daijiworld TV since its inception. Stephan Mascarenhas and Praveen Tauro recognized close associates who traveled from abroad to join the celebration.
Fr Denis D'Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese, honored the first graduates of Daijiworld’s Sound Engineering Course. As part of the celebration, the media house launched a Journalism course, with Vivek Alva of Alvas Educational Institutions unveiling a video presentation of the new program. The evening featured a captivating musical performance by renowned singer and TV reality show judge Mohammad Iqbal, alongside Sowmya Bhat.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP for Dakshina Kannada; Vedavyas Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru South; Umanath Kotian, MLA of Mangaluru North; Ivan D'Souza, MLC; Ramanath Rai, former minister; J R Lobo, former MLA; and Khader Shah, head of the Information Department. A large number of advertisers, close associates of Daijiworld, and members of the media fraternity were also in attendance, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.